Who is Matt P? 'MasterChef: Generations' contestant's problematic salmon sees him booted
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'MasterChef: Generations' Season 14 contestant Matt P auditioned for the cooking competition but failed to advance to the next round with his 'overcooked' salmon. Matt is a 27-year-old Air Force captain from Tacoma, Washington.
He prepared Parmesan-crusted salmon with Tomato and Cilantro Chutney with Whipped Potatoes. The Fox show judges were quite unimpressed with the food. Gordon Ramsay called it "simple" and hoped it tastes more exciting than it looked. Meanwhile, guest judge, Nick DiGiovanni said that the salmon was overcooked and gave him a "no."
However, Gordon loved Matt's discipline but said that he couldn't give him a yes. He added, "Just the way you present yourself is so respectful." Gordon further noted that Matt could have earn the apron, "If that salmon was cooked four minutes less." He told the young chef, "It’s my hope that you’ll come back."
Gordon Ramsay warns Matt P about 'overcooked' salmon
'MasterChef: Generations' Season 14 judges Gordon Ramsay and Nick DiGiovanni visited Matt's table to see his cooking. However, the judges duo instantly warned Matt about the salmon being overcooked. Matt told the judges that he had put the fish in the oven to cook its skin side down.
Gordon was shocked by Matt's response and said, "It's in the oven already? It's not overcooked?" Gordon's question sparked doubt in Matt and he instantly started checking the fish. Meanwhile, Gordin warned him, "Young man, don't overcook that salmon."
'MasterChef: Generations' Season 14 contestant Matt P is a self-taught cook
'MasterChef: Generations' Season 14 contestant Matt taught himself to cook after he didn't like his Air Force Academy mess food. He started cooking just to feed himself good food which later turned into his passion. He fell in love with the process and now he hoped to impress the judges.
Just before his audition, Matt took to his social media and teased his appearance. Matt wrote, "Let’s see if I can get that white apron or if I fail big time." He then thanked his amazing commander, Lt Col Laila Barasha for giving him the opportunity to compete in the culinary competition. He was also thankful to his "late, incredible grandmother, Dorothy, for giving me the cooking bug."
'MasterChef: Generations' Season 14 airs every Wednesday at 8 pm ET on Fox.